Cardiovascular Disease and CIMT Testing

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Are you at risk for cardiovascular disease? One of the very best ways to determine your actual risk requires looking at the blood vessels themselves. A carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) test is an American Heart Association (AHA) approved method to determine that risk. There is no harmful radiation and it is completely noninvasive. It is far more sensitive than the conventional carotid ultrasound. CIMT testing provides the earliest evidence of the origins of atherosclerosis and also has the advantage of being used as a benchmark. Subsequent CIMT results in 6-12 months can determine if interventions are effective for the prevention of heart disease or stroke in the future. Foundations Medical Center believes in treating cardiovascular disease through the evaluation of lifestyle, advanced lipid studies and inflammatory markers to comprehensively address the root of this disease. Interventions used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease include pharmaceutical and nutraceutical options along with diet, exercise, stress reduction and other lifestyle modifications to ensure the most effective and comprehensive prevention plan possible.

Consider CIMT testing if you have any of the following risk factors that may increase your risk for cardiovascular disease: